Here you will come across the news about the Grade-II designation that has been granted to a defunct department store and parking garage that were in danger of being demolished. Both of these structures were at risk of being destroyed. In addition, there is a chance that a conspicuous but “dilapidated” structure that is located on Cowes Esplanade and looks out over the Solent will be replaced by not one but two extravagant mansions. In the meantime, the plan made by the Aaina Community Hub to construct a new building on the same site as the old one was rejected because of concerns regarding the area’s legacy. On top of that, after a period of eight years, the restoration project for the oldest iron-framed structure in the world, also known as the “grandparent of skyscrapers,” has finally come to successful completion. This structure is renowned as the “grandfather of skyscrapers.”

Sheffield’s defunct John Lewis store is listed

Original Source: Sheffield’s former John Lewis store given listed status

The former Cole Brothers store at Barker’s Pool, Sheffield, became John Lewis and will close in 2021.

Historic England listed the “statement” building and its architecture as Grade II.

Deputy council leader Julie Grocutt said it was “great news” and protected “an iconic part of Sheffield.”

The building was created by Yorke Rosenberg, and Mardall in 1961 and is characterised as a “unique example of a post-war department store designed by a major architectural company” by Historic England.

White-glazed tiles on the four-story structure, the granite-lined and black terrazzo-floored stairwells, and the central Marryatt-Scott escalator were also cited as criteria for listing.

Following the store’s closure in 2021, Sheffield City Council held a public consultation to decide what should happen to the building.

The administration has suggested long-term alternatives that include reusing the existing structure, dismantling it for a vast public area, or replacing it with a smaller facility and connected public space.

Ms. Grocutt, co-chair of the transport, regeneration, and climate policy committee, told BBC Radio Sheffield, It’s a really important place.

I think it’s crucial to respect the building and area.

“People can still propose inventive concepts for the building, but the listing will keep it looking like John Lewis’, which is beneficial for the city.”

Paul Blomfield, whose seat includes the John Lewis building, is concerned about redevelopment opportunities.

Our postwar heritage is significant, but the John Lewis building didn’t fulfil listing standards, he added.

“Given the building’s structural difficulties, Grade-II certification will impose substantial expenditures on the municipality as landlord and limit the city’s options in redeveloping this vital site.”

It’s a decision without financial support or acknowledgment of its implications.

Cowes ‘eyesore on Isle of Wight to be redeveloped

Original Source: Isle of Wight seafront property plan unveiled for Cowes ‘eyesore’

Hamlet Court Regeneration wants to demolish the unlisted Queens Road building after years of talks.

Two four-bedroom residences might replace Hamlet Court, which was partitioned into apartments in the 1950s.

Originally called Harriet Lodge, Hamlet Court was erected in 1832.

It’s in a “general state of decay.”

Agents The Manser Practice believes the building is beyond feasible repair and detracts from the Cowes Conservation Area.

Multiple structural appraisals show the structure is unstable and could worsen owing to ground circumstances.

The concrete stairs reportedly caused internal and exterior structural difficulties.

The Manser Practice indicated in a design and access statement that structural repairs had been investigated but were not financially viable.

Cowes Town Council was presented with the renovation project earlier this year and questioned why the structure needed to be demolished.

The architect claimed saving the structure would cost too much to repay.

Most comments on the application have been encouraging, claiming the current building is an “eyesore” in a “shocking state.”

Residents believe the projected height of the two residences will spoil their vistas.

One wrote: “As a nearby neighbour, I’m glad the eyesore is gone.” concerned about the height of the new structures, but a block of apartments would be considerably worse.”

In the early 2000s, the Isle of Wight Council and the Planning Inspectorate rejected plans to demolish the court and create 12 flats.

Heritage issues crush new building aspirations for a disadvantaged women’s charity

Original Source: Charity ‘lifeline’ for vulnerable women sees new building hopes dashed over heritage concerns

Plans to replace a Walsall support programme for vulnerable mothers and children were rejected. Aaina Community Hub intends to replace its 1960s single-story facility on Bath Street with a three-story building to continue providing services.

Walsall Council planning officers said the design would impede the view of the Grade II-listed St Michael’s Church and wouldn’t fit in with the neighbourhood. In a Hub-commissioned heritage evaluation, The Jessop Consultancy indicated the new structure will be placed back from the road, with only two storeys visible from the street.

It will be lower than the church’s eaves and feature a grey roof and red bricks to match Bath Street. It concluded the new build will replace the ‘unsympathetic’ structure and not impair the protected area.

Families in Walsall receive vital meals and activities.

Aaina bought the building in 2020. The charity considered other locations, but beneficiaries wanted to stay local.

Potter Church and Homes said: “The building is a lifeline for local women and their families because there is no other equivalent facility that offers life-enhancing services.” The Hub brings women and their families from diverse cultures and backgrounds together, promotes community cohesiveness, and minimises social isolation.

“Women and their children have access to local information and services, minimising social isolation, especially for recently arrived families who need more help and an initial anchor to feel accepted, supported, and a new member of the community.” The Hub provides a safe environment for women fleeing domestic abuse and helps victims who are not yet able to go. ” Women who can’t access standard wellness courses and services can use the building. 

“Weekly intergenerational activities boost older adults’ well-being, minimise loneliness, and promote social involvement and engagement.”

Also, “The project rebuilds the 1960s Women’s Centre into a sustainable and innovative community hub. The project will inject much-needed investment to boost jobs at the Hub and nearby.

“It’ll boost the local economy and reduce antisocial behaviour.” The Hub will provide a bright and engaging environment that supports growth and progression for the most disadvantaged local citizens and lifts women out of unemployment and low-paying jobs into better prospects.

Planning director Alison Ives said: “The planned development will block views of Grade II-listed Church St. Michael’s from Bath Street.” The proposed development isn’t sympathetic to the area’s character and doesn’t protect or improve the Highgate Conservation Area.

This project causes less than substantial harm to designated heritage assets; the public benefit of redeveloping the site would not offset the harm, especially due to the development’s size, height, and scale.

The first iron-framed building restored

Original Source: Restoration of world’s first iron-framed building complete

The Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings will reopen on September 10 after a £28 million rehabilitation led by Historic England, Shrewsbury Council, and Friends of Flaxmill Maltings.

Eight listed buildings are on site. The 1796-1797 mill is the world’s oldest iron-framed construction. closed for 35 years. The smithy, stables, main mill, and kiln have been restored.

first mill with cast iron columns, beams, and tie-rods. Charles Bage designed it to be multistory. After being a flax mill, it became a maltings from 1897 until 1987, processing grain into malt for brewing, whisky, and vinegar. The site was a WW2 garrison.

Re-roofing

Cannock, Staffordshire’s Croft Building & Conservation repaired the main mill’s roof. Around 15,000 fresh Welsh slates from Penrhyn Quarry were utilised for the project.

The roof has a saw-tooth profile with 17 valley gutters. Contractors removed the roof and found 1797 cast iron valley gutters. Each 4m section requires four men.

The Barr & Grosvenor Foundry in Wolverhampton created five new cast iron gutters to match the originals.

Northcot Brick hand-made 30,000 bricks for the main mill’s restoration. These bricks are about a third larger than standard-sized bricks because the number of bricks used in new buildings was taxed to pay for the American colonial wars. Larger bricks reduced bricks needed and tax.

Gleeds was the quantity surveyor, while AKTII and E3 Consulting Engineers were the structural and mechanical engineers.

Survivors

Cross Mill, Dye House, Apprentice House, and Warehouse need money to be repaired.

Historic England CEO Duncan Wilson said restoring Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings was tough and gratifying. A large team of specialists, partners, donors, and volunteers worked to restore this difficult property.

“I’m glad Historic England brought this ambitious and demanding project to success, and I’m looking forward to September’s opening.”

Summary of today’s construction news

Surely, you have learned information about the news above. In a recent update regarding the John Lewis store, when the store finally closed its doors in 2021, the City Council of Sheffield held a public consultation to determine what should be done with the structure. The administration has proposed certain long-term alternatives, some of which include reusing the existing structure, destroying it in order to create a wide public area, or replacing it with a smaller facility and connecting public space.

Meanwhile, Hamlet Court was built in 1832, although its original name was Harriet Lodge. Agents The Manser Practice has concluded that it would be too costly to rehabilitate the building and that its presence would be detrimental to the Cowes Conservation Area. Multiple assessments of the building’s stability have revealed that it is precarious and might quickly deteriorate due to the soil conditions.

On the contrary, Walsall officials voted down a proposal to replace a family assistance program. Aaina Community Hub plans to replace the one-story building it has occupied on Bath Street since the 1960s with a three-story one so that it can keep delivering its current level of service.

Positively, on September 10, following a restoration project that cost a total of £28 million and was led by Historic England, Shrewsbury Council, and Friends of Flaxmill Maltings, the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings will reopen to the public. Duncan Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer of Historic England, described the process of rebuilding Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings as both challenging and rewarding. In another statement, he said, “I’m happy Historic England was able to bring this ambitious and demanding project to a successful conclusion, and I’m looking forward to September’s opening.”